Obituary: Louis Carl Zeman, 93, Hood River

Louis Carl Zeman

January 4, 1931 – December 25, 2024

It is with deep sorrow and love that the family of Louis Carl Zeman announces his passing on December 25, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon, at the age of 93. Louie, as he was affectionately known, was born on January 4, 1931, in St. Helens, Oregon, to Louis and Mildred (Cevela) Zeman.

Louie’s early years were spent in Seaside, Oregon, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse until the eighth grade. That school still stands near Highway 26 outside of Seaside as a testament to his humble beginnings. From there, he moved with his family to Parkdale, Oregon, where he graduated from Parkdale High School. Louie was a standout athlete and the star of the school's basketball team, a memory he cherished throughout his life.

After high school, Louie embarked on a journey that would take him far from home. He joined the U.S. Army, where he is remembered for his service, with varying stories of whether he served as a chef or an electrical engineer—perhaps a little bit of both. His time in the Army was just the beginning of an adventurous life. Louie attended Oregon State University, where he earned a degree in Forestry and Engineering, an education that laid the foundation for his career.

While at OSU, Louie met Julie, the love of his life. The couple moved to Hood River, Oregon, where they raised two sons, Jeff and Mike. Louie worked for Zeman Brothers Logging, where he became a well-respected and successful logger. His work ethic and dedication were the hallmarks of his professional life.

After retiring, Louie and Julie enjoyed a life filled with travel. They became tour guides for the local senior center, sharing their love of adventure with others. One of Louie’s favorite pastimes was spending time at their beloved beach house in Depoe Bay, Oregon, where the rhythm of the ocean brought him peace. Every winter, he and Julie enjoyed escaping to Palm Springs, where they found many friends and good times. Louie was a master at finding the best, most affordable places to eat and hit golf balls.

In addition to his love of travel, Louie was an avid bowler, and his skills on the lanes were legendary. He was also a talented dancer, enjoying many nights out with Julie. Louie had a deep love for music of all kinds, and you could often find him tapping his foot or dancing along to his favorite tunes.

In his later years, Louie found a special companion in Kathy Thomas, with whom he spent many happy years. Together, they traveled to Seattle, dined at fine restaurants, and made countless memories. Louie also enjoyed playing cards with his friends and loved spending time with his dogs over the years—Tiger, Coco 1, Peaches, and Coco 2—each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Louie was a proud and devoted father to his sons Jeff and Mike, and a loving grandfather to his grandchildren: Sebastian, Kylie, Chip, Adam, and Zyra. He took great joy in attending his grandson Sebastian's sporting events, always cheering him on with enthusiasm.

Louie’s infectious smile, quick wit, and zest for life will be missed by all who knew him. His legacy of hard work, love of family, and passion for life will live on in the hearts of his loved ones.

He is survived by his sons Jeff and Mike, daughters-in-law Jennifer and Reline, grandchildren Sebastian, Kylie, Chip, Adam, and Zyra, and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of Louie’s life will be held at a later date at Providence Down Manor. A private committal was held at Upper Valley Cemtery (6917 Allen Road, Parkdale, Oregon 97041).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Hood River Senior Center in Louie’s memory.

May he rest in peace, knowing he was loved beyond measure and lived a life well-lived.

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

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Death Notice: Marie Sperber, 94, Hood River

Marie Sperber passed away on November 23, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Marie was born November 24, 1929, and was 94 years of age at the time of passing.   Committal Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 at Willamette National Cemetery of Portland, Oregon. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Catherine J. Kelter, 94 , Hood River

Catherine J. Kelter

“Well, that was fun!” Cathie Kelter would announce whenever she was ready to leave a family gathering– a signal that it was time to go home. On October 26, she left her family for the last time, a month shy of her 95th birthday. A fall and a stroke upended her plans to stay at home until the end.

Catherine J. Kelter was born on November 25, 1929, in Neligh, Nebraska, the youngest of Ed and Anne Wanek’s four children. She attended college at St. Mary’s in Omaha and later Creighton University, where she met her husband Don. They were married in 1952. Shortly afterward, Don was drafted and the newlyweds moved to California. After his discharge from the army, Don and Cathie left their hearts in San Francisco and moved back to Nebraska to raise their growing family, always hoping to one day return to the West Coast.

In 1971, Don accepted the position of administrator at the Hood River Memorial Hospital, and the family moved to Oregon. Cathie continued in her role as administrator of their seven children. When she wasn’t sewing, playing the piano, creating handmade cards, writing clever songs, helping with homework, or learning calligraphy, she and Don enjoyed hiking, Sunday drives, trips to the beach, square dancing, and spending time with family. One of her sons described the two as the Dynamic Duo, always there to love and support each other as well as their children and grandchildren and their spouses. After Don’s death in 2001, Cathie stepped up and assumed all the responsibilities of the Dynamic Duo. She was always there to listen, encourage, and offer reassurance, often accompanied by a glass of wine.

In 1985, Cathie opened the Wine Sellers, with help from her daughter Jean. For more than 25 years she offered wine, coffee, conversation, and warm welcomes to customers, family, and friends. After the Wine Sellers closed, Cathie found another outlet for her energy: already a Master Mother and Grandmother, she added Master Gardener and a Master Recycler to her list of accomplishments.

As her mobility became more limited and Cathie’s world grew smaller, her family brought the world to her in the form of daily visits, grocery shopping, meals, vacation photos, and an endless supply of jigsaw puzzles. She took special joy in “Thirsty Thursday” happy hours with grandchildren Jessica, Jon, and Carin. At the end of each visit, she would encourage them to “go do something fun.”

Hello, World!

Cathie will be greatly missed by her children and their spouses: Anne and Lou Gehrig, Mike and Vicki Kelter, Tom and Dana Kelter, Jim and Peggy Dills Kelter, Jean and Rick Dills, Maggie and Joe Pike, Bill and Amy Kelter, her grandchildren Jessica (Apland), Jon and Colin Gehrig, Kristina Green, Katie Soderberg, Nick and Pete Dills, Rose Kelter, Carin Pike, Hannah Vassar, 15 great-grandchildren, and all the others whose lives she touched. A private graveside service will be held at the Pine Grove Butte Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life.

The family would like to thank all those who cared for Cathie during her last few weeks of life, especially the staff at Parkhurst Place and Providence Hospice of the Gorge. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Hood River County Library, FISH Food Bank, or Providence Hospice of the Gorge.

Please consider honoring Cathie by sowing seeds of kindness and by being the reason that someone smiles each day. Then take her advice and go do something fun.

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Violet Evans, 99, Hood River

Violet Evans passed away on November 18, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Violet was born on August 16, 1925, and was 99 years of age at the time of passing.   A graveside committal for Violet will be at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Mosier Cemetery (600 State Rd, Mosier, Oregon 97040).

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Judy Kay Roberts, 83, Hood River

Judy Kay Roberts passed away on November 15, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Judy was born December 12, 1940, and was 83 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Robert Peleshok “Rob”, 61, Hood River

Robert Peleshok “Rob” passed away on October 24, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Rob was born August 24, 1963, and was 61 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Constance E. Blasie, 80, Hood River

Constance E. Blasie passed away on October 16, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Constance was born on April 14, 1944, and was 80 years of age at the time of his passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Jonathan Rose, 99, Hood River

Jonathan Rose passed away on October 16th, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon. Jonathan was born on August 15th, 1925, and was 99 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Arlene Shertzer, 95, Hood River

Arlene Shertzer passed away on October 3rd, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon. Arlene was born August 2nd, 1929, and was 95 years of age at the time of her passing.  

A Memorial Service for Arlene will be held on Saturday, October 19th, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses (1619 Tucker Rd, Hood River, OR 97031).

 Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Manuel “Manny” Escobar Tactay Jr., 87, Hood River

Manuel “Manny” Escobar Tactay Jr., our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on September 27, 2024, at 87 years old. 

Manny was born on December 21, 1936, to Manuel and Benilda Tactay in Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur, and raised in Sulvec, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He was the third child (firstborn son) of eleven children. His birth name was Tomas, but as an infant, he was very sickly; so due to superstitious beliefs, his parents changed his name to Manuel.

Manny initially met his future bride, Terencia “Terri” (Cabudol) in high school, but their relationship flourished after college.  On January 2, 1965, Manny and Terri were married and blessed with two children, Tiffany, born in 1966, and Troy, born in 1968.  Terri dreamed of moving to the United States for a better opportunity to improve their quality of life. After being approved as a professional CPA in January 1971, she moved to Honolulu, Hawaii leaving her young children and spouse behind.   Manny, with the help of their tight-knit family, cared for Tiffany and Troy. They communicated through weekly letters until they reunited on November 14, 1971. Together Manny and Terri built a wonderful life, teaching their children the value of hard work, family, faith, and the importance of education.

In 1976, Manny and Terri became US Citizens. He worked as a foreman for Hawaiian Dredging and a superintendent for SCI working on the H-3 Viaduct. He had a green thumb, growing papaya, guava, mango, and a variety of Filipino vegetables. After being a partner in a construction firm, Integrated Builders, Inc., and owning a painting company, Hawaii Pacific Painting, Inc., he proudly built his own house in a gated community in Makaha, HI, where they lived for 14 years.

Family meant everything to Manny. He enjoyed family reunions, showing his family visitors around town, and keeping up with his siblings and other extended family members through letters and phone calls. After he and Terri became grandparents, they wanted to be closer to their children and grandkids. After they retired, in August 2004, they moved to Hood River to be near their son, Troy, and his growing family.

Manny is survived by his wife, Terri Tactay; his children, Tiffany (Mark) Murphy, and Troy Tactay; grandchildren, Conor (Victoria) Murphy, Sean (Jennifer) Murphy, Malia Murphy, Jonah Tactay, Keone Tactay, Lilah Tactay; great-granddaughter, Isabelle Murphy; siblings, Fe Villamor, Remigio (Norma) Tactay, Estrella (Johnny) Franco, Norman Tactay, and Noemi Tactay; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 5th, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1501 Belmont Ave, Hood River, Oregon).  Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.  A reception will follow Manny’s graveside service at Anderson's Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon). 

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family or to watch a live stream of Manny’s funeral mass.

Death Notice: Alan Winans, 88, Hood River

Alan Winans passed away on September 19th, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon. Alan was born August 3rd, 1936, and was 88 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Stephen Kelly Ford, 66, Hood River

Stephen grew up in Edgecliff, Texas (a small community outside Fort Worth) and was the oldest of three brothers. Adventure, Life Experiences, and Family were always a top priority in the Ford house; every summer, the family would road trip to new destinations, which always included visiting extended family.

Stephen preferred to spend most of his free time outdoors, making friends and creating adventures wherever possible. Whether riding his motorcycle or trying to teach the family walking horse to buck, Stephen was an instigator of fun and a lover of animals.

 From a young age, Stephen was drawn to alternative sports like rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, rodeo, hockey, rugby, and windsurfing. During college, Stephen joined the pro rodeo circuit as a rough stock rider, where he attempted, sometimes successfully, to stay on bucking broncos bareback and riding bulls. Success meant bringing home a few belts, several knocked-out teeth, and usually just enough money to get him to the next event. Through rodeo, he made lifelong friends Stephen would always refer to as family.

 During his early years, Stephen learned the value of hard work. Whether bucking hay, working in construction in the Texas heat, or driving heavy machinery, Stephen never shied away from the tough jobs, and he always found a way to “cowboy up and git R done!”

 Stephen attended Texas Tech University, where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity; the University of Wyoming, where he earned a Bachelor of Science with a major in Geology; and Texas Christian University, where he studied Real Estate, Finance, and Accounting. An opportunity to take on a foreign assignment with General Dynamics prevented him from completing his master’s degree.

 As a global logistics manager on F-16 programs at General Dynamics, Stephen helped families relocate to overseas positions successfully. His work took him to Taiwan, Korea, and Israel. These experiences profoundly shaped his perspective and deepened his appreciation for his U.S. citizenship.

 Once back in the United States, Stephen took a "walkabout" in his truck camper, seeking new adventures and the perfect place to begin the next phase of his life. He found it in Bend, Oregon, where he settled down with his first wife, Marsha, whom he met while mountain biking in Utah. In Bend, he embarked on a remarkable career in commercial real estate.

 In 2003, Stephen met his second wife, Karen, through a mutual friend and mentor. Their relationship led to the most epic adventure of his life: raising their son, Parker. The family moved to Hood River in 2005, where Stephen became a vibrant and committed community member. Though they divorced in 2020, Stephen and Karen's dedication to co-parenting Parker in the family home led to a strengthened relationship, marked by mutual respect and friendship that has endured to this day.

 Stephen was known by many of his colleagues as a compassionate person who happened to be a commercial broker. His motto in or outside work was always "treat others as you want to be treated." Therefore, he approached most interactions with empathy, honesty, politeness, and respect. He even gave random telemarketers the courtesy of his time before politely declining their call while offering them feedback and ideas.

 Stephen earned the CCIM designation, demonstrating his expertise in commercial real estate, investment, market, and financial analyses. He mentored many in the Portland and Columbia Gorge communities and was a valuable resource for discussing potential commercial investments.

 Forever grateful to be a part of this community, Stephen was always eager to give back. He did so through his various affiliations, such as the Rotary Club, where he served one term as Hood River Chapter President, as a Lego League Robotics Coach, as a multi-year trail guide at Mountain Bike Oregon, and by working to improve mountain bike trails and elk habitat.

 Once Parker reached high school, Stephen vigorously pursued his burgeoning passions for fly fishing and bow hunting. He eventually bought a camper and began planning his retirement, which included cruising around the US to hunt, fish, and mountain bike with friends.

 In early June of this year, just one year into semi-retirement, Stephen received the shocking news of metastatic bladder cancer. He faced this diagnosis head-on with determination. His due diligence in investigating treatment options led him to join an immunotherapy trial at MD Anderson in Houston before cystectomy. Three days after his first infusion, Stephen fell ill and began to decline quickly. While many believed his discomfort was due to an adverse reaction to the therapy, a scan eventually revealed radical metastasis, including bone cancer.

 Through his swift decline, Stephen was surrounded by love. His dear friends in Houston, Karen, younger brother Roger, Parker, his deeply committed sister and brother-in-law, and the expert team at Providence Hospice supported him. It should be noted that before entering hospice, Stephen received the most loving and professional care from the 2nd-floor nurses and CNAs at Providence Hood River, a nurturing experience for which his family is forever grateful.

 Here are a few of Stephen's favorite things: family, Tex Mex, Texas BBQ, a top-shelf margarita, live music, playing guitar, hitting the trails on his mountain bike or with a ruck, tracking elk, archery, trap shooting, fly fishing, smoking meat, camping with friends, and the Dallas Cowboys.

 Stephen is survived by his loving son, Parker; his ex-wife and life partner, Karen; his younger brother, Roger; his nieces and nephews, Raegan, Romy, Ryan, Johnny, Jessica, and Jake; his in-laws, Gordie, Mike, Cathy, Crystal, and Sandy; numerous awesome cousins and his sweet dog, Migo. Our hearts mourn, but we know Stephen is finally pain-free and conjuring another adventure from heaven while reuniting with his deceased parents and brother, Larry.

 SERVICE

 Private family services will be held in Hood River, Oregon, and Fort Worth, Texas. Throughout the year, celebrations of life will be planned for Stephen's community of close friends, colleagues, and extended relatives.

 Instead of flowers, please consider donating to the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund in honor of Stephen. The fund invests in projects that connect youth and families in diverse and underserved communities to the outdoors, as well as programs that restore healthy ecosystems to benefit Oregon's fish and wildlife and improve the health of our environment for future generations.

 Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  

 Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Service Announcement: John P. Wright, 84, Hood River

John P. Wright, of Hood River, Oregon died September 4, 2024. John was born October 12, 1939 and was 84 at the time of his passing.

A viewing and time to visit with family will be from 4:00-6:00 P.M., on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031).

John’s burial will take place at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Great River Natural Burial, 2350 Carroll Road, Mosier, OR 97040.

A memorial service is pending in November and will be announced later with John’s life story.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Vick Henry Snyder, 66, Hood River

Vick Henry Snyder, age 66, from Hood River, OR, passed away on August 27, 2024.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Sidney Allen Miller, 77, Hood River

Sidney Allen Miller passed away on August 14, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. He was born May 18, 1947, and was 77 years of age at the time of his passing. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Rickie Robert (Rick) Sherrell, 71, Hood River

Rickie Robert (Rick) Sherrell passed away on July 22nd, 2024, at his home in Hood River, Oregon.

Rickie was born December 3rd, 1952 He was 71 years of age at the time of passing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Geraldean “Geri” Edna Martin, 55, Hood River

Geraldean “Geri” Edna Martin passed away on July 18th, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon. Geri was born on April 17th, 1969, and was 55 years of age at the time of passing. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Jaimé Michelle Gehrig, 42

Jaimé Michelle Gehrig passed away on July 5th, 2024 at OHSU Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Jaimé was born on August 11th, 1981, and was 42 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Wayne R. Kaplan-Coleman, 66, Hood River

Wayne R. Kaplan-Coleman passed away on July 6th, 2024 at his home in Hood River, Oregon. Wayne was born September 22nd, 1957, and was 66 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Janette Lorene Hoff, 81, Hood River

Janette Lorene Hoff passed away on June 28th, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon. Janette was born on February 10th, 1943. She was 81 years of age at the time of passing.  

Services are planned for 3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 19th, 2024 at Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.